Orlando’s Javarri Walker, better known as rap star Hotboii, was released from Orange County Jail on September 11 after his RICO case was dismissed following two-year detainment. The Interscope recording artist released his new song, “First Day Out” to widespread popularity. Prosecutors have yet to comment on the plea agreement.
In July 2021, Hotboii was one of over two dozen arrested in the sweep, initially facing RICO charges but recently agreed to plead guilty to a single conspiracy in a deal with prosecutors after spending more than two years behind bars.
Hotboii, a collaborator of YNW Melly, was accused of leading the 438 gang, based in Orlando’s Silver Star Road area. Authorities claimed that the 438 gang was embroiled in a violent feud with the Army gang, allegedly led by fellow rapper Jacquavius “9lokkNine” Smith.
The conflict is blamed for the deaths of several innocent bystanders, including Ocoee High School football star Dexter Rentz Jr., who had a scholarship to the University of Louisville, and 16-year-old Tavyiah King, the niece of suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill.
Hot’s attorney, Lyle Mazin, explained that the RICO charge was based on two accusations: using electronic communication to promote gangs and possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent. The first stemmed from Walker’s Instagram posts, which featured guns and lyrics referencing the gang. The second was tied to a gun found in Walker’s car while he was attending a funeral for a friend who had been killed.
Mazin argued that 438 wasn’t a gang, but a hashtag representing the Pine Hills neighborhood where Walker grew up. He said Walker was targeted by law enforcement because of his fame, and that the rapper was promoting his music, not gang activity.
“He wasn’t promoting a gang,” Mazin said. “He was promoting his label and his music. It’s equivalent to Biggie Smalls or Kodak Black promoting their work.”
Mazin also contended that the gun found in Walker’s car belonged to his security team. He noted that the protection was necessary, as law enforcement knew through wiretaps that rival gang members had threatened Walker’s life.
Ultimately, Mazin succeeded in having the gun charge dismissed and negotiated a plea deal. Walker pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in racketeering activity, with his 805 days in jail counted as time served. He was also sentenced to five years of probation.
Following Hotboii’s release, he returned to music and released the anticipated song “First Day Out.” The new video garnered 1.2 million views within a week on YouTube.